Manchester City are readying a bid for Sampdoria’s talented playmaker Antonio Cassano. With Roberto Mancini at the helm at City, the focus is on acquiring skilled Italians whom the manager knows well and can fit right into the scheme of things at Eastlands. Apart from Petrov and SWP, City lack an out and out winger. The trickery and pace of the Italian international, who also had a spell at Real Madrid will be beneficial to City in that respect. Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho is also believed to be an admirer of the hot-headed star but City are favourites to see of the Milan giants.
Sampdoria are currently eighth in the League table riding on goals from Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini. It comes as no surprise that City have also been linked with a move for Pazzini. Other Italian players that Mancini is rumoured to be tracking are Dejan Stankovic, Mario Balotelli, Leonardo Bonucci, Simon Kjaer and Goran Pandev.
Sampdoria chief Marotta said: “I have read what is written in the English newspapers but I can assure you that we have not been contacted by Man City, nor have we any news relating to Cassano. We know, however, that Mancini worships Cassano, but as for the rest, there have not been any official offers of any type.”
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